What a "Friend"

"Hey, can you come out now to accompany me at Gurney Plaza?"
"Huh? In such a short notice?"
"Please... I'm really bored!"
"Oh, uh, okay, okay. But not so early."
"Heheh, I'll introduce you to my friend."
"Huh?"

Fishy, no? Of course it was! He didn't tell me the whole story on the phone! But, I, being such a kind friend, didn't not have the heart to say no to him. This guy came all the way from Butterworth to Penang island and there must be a reason why he got "really bored".

"What are you doing here by the way? It's Valentine's day!" I asked.

The explanation given was that he asked his friend out, but his friend brought another friend along, and now they were sticking with each other, neglecting him, the poor guy.

Okay, reasonable enough.

That wasn't the exact story...

When I went to the bookstore to meet him, the look of relief on his beaming visage was evident. "How glad am I to see you!" Phew! For the moment, I thought he was going to give me a bear hug!

"So, you're here alone? Where are your friends?"
"Oh, they're in the washroom. You don't suppose me to follow them to the ladies room, do you?"
"You'd better tell me the whole story now."

And here's everything.

He asked a girl out for a date - it was Valentine's Day, remember? - but that girl being/pretended to be unaware, brought along her friend. My friend, of course, was upset about it. So, he decided to get someone out to accompany the other girl while he spent some private moment with his dream girl. He probably called up a dozen of other guys who already had appointments (ie, dates) on this big day, before asking me, one of those few poor, forlorn singles.

"So, that's it, huh?" I remarked.
"Hey, I'm giving you a chance! And she's good-looking!"
"Oh, you're such a "friend"!" I couldn't help being sarcarstic.
"I've even bought movie tickets for you!"

Jeez, a movie? How nice and how thoughtful!

In fact, He-Is-Such-A-"Friend" bought tickets for two movies - only that he didn't count the two of us in for the second one. So, I was supposed to "take her somewhere" while they watched the show.

Gah! That certainly got too far! I felt awkward as having a blind date! I didn't really mind since I didn't have a girlfriend to explain to. But, this girl was a quiet person and it can be rather frustrating when you're the only one trying to keep the conversation going. Besides, it was Valentine's Day. I'd have to give lots of explanations if I were to bump into my friends.

And, you bet, we did.

There was a change of plans. He-Is-Such-A-"Friend" ditched the tickets for the second movie and decided to take his date for dinner. But before that, he wanted to take her for a stroll at Gurney Drive and buy some flowers for her. I, on the other hand, had to bring my "blind date" for a walk around the complex while waiting for them.

At the ground floor, we met a couple, who both, were my schoolmate - Greetings. Teasings. Explanations. More teasings.

At a coffee house, we met my ex-colleague and his wife - Greetings. Teasings. Explanations. More teasings.

There were a few more couples whom I knew, but I didn't greet them. Phew! That really saved me lots of trouble.

And so, the whole awkward episode ended with the three of them going off for dinner - I'm sure my friend wasn't pleased with the odd number - while I rushed off for a barbeque an hour late, thanks to my "friend"!

Alright, I'm done clarifying. Sigh.